Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 announces Cheetah Plains as one of South Africa’s Top Ten Resorts

Why Book With Us

Transparent Pricing: Receive the most competitive rates without any additional commissions.
Accommodation: Exclusive-use of a luxurious villa with four private guest suites.
Transfers: Complimentary transfers between Arathusa Airstrip and Cheetah Plains when flying with Federal Air or private charter.
Culinary Delights: All meals, food and beverages daily – complemented by a full selection of South African fine wines, beers, and spirits.
Private Safari Experiences: Twice-daily game drives in a fully electric, silent and private game-viewing vehicle led by an expert field guide and tracker team.
Wellness Treatments: Select treatments provided by a dedicated in-suite spa therapist.
Guided Bush Walks: Explore the wilderness on foot with knowledgeable guides.
Fitness Facilities: Access to the on-site fitness pavilion.
Child Minding: Services available to ensure a comfortable stay for families.
Outdoor Dining: Unique dining experiences in various settings.
Laundry Service: Daily laundry service, excluding dry cleaning.
Connectivity: Complimentary wireless internet service.
Photography Equipment: Use of a Nikon D500 series camera and lenses to capture memorable moments.

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve – It is with great pride that the Cheetah Plains announces its placement as one of the Top 10 Resorts in South Africa from the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

Now in its 38th year, the Readers’ Choice Awards are among the most respected accolades in the global travel industry, shining a spotlight on the very best destinations, hotels, resorts and experiences around the globe. This accolade is especially meaningful as it is earned through the direct nominations and votes of past guests, making it both a celebration of the unique journeys shared with our guests and an acknowledgment to the passion and dedication of the team who ensure such unique and memorable stays in the heart of the Sabi Sand.

“People are truly at the heart of what we do,” shares General Manager, NJ van der Merwe. “From the extraordinary guests we have the privilege of hosting to the dedicated team who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring each stay to life, every connection is part of the Cheetah Plains story. To be recognised by Condé Nast Traveler readers affirms that our vision for luxury safari hospitality resonates with travellers around the world, and it is an honour that fills us with immense pride.”

Indeed, Cheetah Plains has long been recognized as a pioneer in the world of eco-luxury safari travel, offering a harmonious balance of privacy, elegance and natural immersion. Guests enjoy the exclusivity of architecturally striking, contemporary villas, accompanied by a dedicated private chef, butler, wellness therapist, and guiding team. Every stay is enhanced by world-class safari experiences in the celebrated Sabi Sand Game Reserve, where intimate wildlife encounters, including the Big Five, unfold during private drives in state-of-the-art, solar-powered electric vehicles.

Dining at Cheetah Plains is a bespoke journey, with private chefs curating menus that pair culinary artistry with South Africa’s finest wines. The villas, with their bold contemporary design, blend seamlessly into the wilderness while offering guests expansive, luxurious spaces that provide tranquility and comfort. Beyond the safari and the villas, Cheetah Plains also uniquely positioned to celebrate South African creativity through an on-site Goodman Gallery, showcasing the works of leading contemporary artists and finally, ensuring the ethical ethos remains a commitment to sustainability, with pioneering off-grid operations and a focus on conservation and community empowerment.

Looking ahead, the lodge remains dedicated to redefining the safari experience, creating moments of wonder and discovery for guests abound and ensuring that the memories and connection to come from such a destination, linger long after their stay and marking the lodge as truly one of the worlds best.

For any enquiries or bookings, reach us at reservations@cheetahplains.com or call +27 79 694 8430.

For media enquiries, please reach out to michelle@cheetahplains.com